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James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier will soon find out the answer to one of training camp’s bigger questions: which one of the two goalies will start the Leafs’ season opener Tuesday in Montreal.

But when the decision comes down, it may not be a surprise to see Reimer make that start.

Toronto wrapped up its pre-season schedule with Reimer in net for a 3-1 verdict over Detroit Saturday night. Reimer nearly posted the shutout against a Detroit lineup comprised of prospects, and did a tidy job against a band of youngsters trying to make a name for themselves.

The fact that he represents a known commodity may serve him well now that all the reviews are in from camp.

“I think both our goalies have played well. That will probably be our toughest decision,” Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said.

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Another tough one will be on Morgan Rielly’s future. The 19-year-old has made a big-league worthy impression, but that doesn’t mean he’s as a slam dunk to start the season in Toronto.

“I think Morgan Rielly is very close,” Carlyle said.

“To say unequivocally he’s ready to play in the NHL is a tough question to answer . . . at this point we’re certain he’s played well and he’s only going to get better. I have a one vote, and as a management group we’ll sit down and decide what’s best for Morgan Rielly and what’s best for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

Rielly feels ready for the NHL at 19, but he’s also prepared for a return ticket to junior hockey if that’s the way it goes.

“I feel like I can (play with the Leafs), but that’s up to coaches if they want me to play here,” Rielly said.

“They have a goal and that’s to play in the playoffs. If they chose to keep me or put me back in junior, I will understand. If I go back, I won’t have any complaints. There’s a great group of coaches here. Dave Nonis has a good idea of what he wants to do, and I understand if (he returns to junior).”

Reimer, meanwhile, is showing strong signs that he is up to the challenge. This camp opened with Bernier entering the goalie picture as not only a threat to grab the No. 1 job, but perhaps the likely starter.

Leafs management made arguably one of the summer’s best trades in landing Bernier, who has been seen as a No. 1 in waiting after several seasons in the shadow of Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles.

There was no denying Bernier’s presence underlined how far Reimer’s star had fallen. While the personable Reimer was one of the biggest reasons why the Leafs made it to Game 7 against the Bruins in the playoffs last spring, the collective failure late in that game — and Reimer’s inability to stem the tide — led to an off-season search for options.

The blame for such a collapse often falls more heavily on a goalie than any other player, since he’s the last line of defence.

Reimer, though, showed no aftereffects in camp. He has, in fact, outperformed the highly touted Bernier. His one-goal effort Saturday night wasn’t a work of art — almost all of the Wings on the ice will be in the AHL soon — but it capped a solid pre-season.

Reimer’s seniority is a factor, but goaltending is the biggest story heading into the season and there are many factors to weigh. The Leafs, if they get any kind of solid goaltending, could crack the top two in their division. There is a very real opportunity for the Leafs to contend this season, and goaltending is the key.

“I feel ready and I feel I’ve faced what I need to face,” Reimer said.

With the Leafs opening the regular season with back-to-back games, both goalies will get an early start. The coaching staff must decide who goes first.

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